Leon Valley approves new budget, tax rate

Bandera Road, Leon Valley's main thoroughfare, with more than 100 vacant properties along it, will be one focus of the city's beautification efforts.

Leon Valley residents will see their tax rates increase by less than a cent as part of a new budget approved by City Council Sept. 17.

The council voted 5-0 to approve a property tax rate of 58.29 cents per $100 valuation, a 0.87-cent increase from last year's rate of 57.42 cents. The new rate will help fund the fiscal year 2013-14 budget, which the council passed on a separate 5-0 vote.

Residents who own a home valued at $122,635 will pay $15.22 more in city property taxes, to $714.86. The average home value in the city increased by $807 from 2012.

The increase in the property taxes will go towards paying off a $7 million bond program to build a new fire station and expand City Hall.

Also included is moeny to buy a $170,000 ambulance to replace the city's current 16-year-old vehicle, and new street signs with a new logo.

The budget, effective Oct. 1, sees a 3 percent increase in sales tax revenue. Spending includes $7.4 million for the general fund, $3.5 million for water and sewer fund, and $1.2 million in capital outlays.